EC Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine

Introduction: Pleural effusion is an abnormal collection in the pleural cavity as a result of disproportion in production and reabsorption of pleural fluid or due to an alteration in the drainage. The common types are transudative and exudative pleural effusion. 

Objective: To evaluate the effect of physical therapy exercises on fluid absorption in patients with pleural effusion.

Setting: Department of Pulmonology, Jinnah Hospital Lahore.

Study Design: Quasi Experiment study design.

Patients Size: 30 patients.

Method: Physical therapy exercises were incorporated along with the standard medical treatment. These interventions includes segmental breathing exercises, chest expansion, active expiration, thoracic mobility exercises, and diaphragmatic breathing exercises were introduced 3 times per day during stay in hospital.

Results: Results shows the improvement in the pleural effusion amongst these patients.

Conclusion: Study confirms inclusion of physical therapy intervention was helpful in this condition.

Keywords: Pleural Effusion; Physiotherapy; Recovery of Function

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